Evolving England can blow big beasts out of water, insists Goode

Goode was named man of the match for an influential display as Stuart Lancaster’s men began their autumn internationals campaign with an erratic yet emphatic 54-12 victory over the Pacific islanders.

Next to visit Twickenham are Australia, followed by South Africa and New Zealand, with the versatile Saracens back hopeful of capitalising on a demoralised Wallabies side mauled 33-6 by France on Saturday.

“We are trying to evolve. When Stuart Lancaster came in he laid the foundations on hard work, defence, a kicking game and the set piece,” said Goode, who helped set up three tries against Fiji. “Attack takes time for people to understand each others’ roles, to get with the pattern but that is hopefully something we are really looking to push this autumn and test it against the best. We have tough teams coming against us.

“We have to make sure we are on the money and play well. If we play as well as we can do then we are good enough to blow teams out of the water.”

Fiji offered little resistance yet still troubled England in the early stages, but Goode insists England will muster “a big improvement” for Australia, when they will also have wing Chris Ashton available.

“It will be a different type of game. It will be tight against the Aussies,” Goode added. “We will be tested a lot more but that is the challenge for everyone. We have to raise the intensity and in defence make sure we smash them from minute one. There were some great chances created against Fiji but some opportunities went begging.”